Opinions & Interviews

MINSK, 7 August (BelTA) – Belarusian athletes can win many medals at the 2020 Olympic Games in Japan, President of the International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) Morinari Watanabe said as he met with Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko on 7 August, BelTA has learned.

Morinari Watanabe remarked that he had already been to Belarus, and every time he was impressed by Belarusian people and wonderful nature. “I feel as if Belarus is my second homeland,” Morinari Watanabe said.

The president of the International Gymnastics Federation deems it necessary to step up efforts for the development of sport in Belarus. He mentioned the fact that our country has won trampoline gold at the Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro. “This is one of the disciplines uniting our federations,” Morinari Watanabe said.

In his opinion, Belarus can win medals in rhythmic gymnastics, trampoline, artistic gymnastics at the next Olympics. “Taking into account the fact that the next Olympic Games will take place in Japan, in my country, do not hesitate to ask for my assistance, I want to be of help,” Morinari Watanabe added.

The meeting was attended by Vice President of the International Gymnastics Federation Nellie Kim and Chairperson of the Belarusian Gymnastics Association Yelena Skripel.